Sophomore Emily Horton and Notre Dame's first varsity four won its opening race of the Lake Natoma Invitational on Saturday over No. 4 Southern California

April 12, 2014

FOLSOM, Calif. – The University of Notre Dame rowing team capitalized on an opening race win to power through the first two sessions on Saturday of the Lake Natoma Invitational. The Irish claimed victory during their morning heat in the first varsity four, and added six runner-up finishes against nationally ranked competition on Lake Natoma.

No. 9 Notre Dame opened the morning session Saturday with a victory in its opening race of the regatta, as the Irish lineup of coxswain Mikaela Prego, Bailey Amenabar, Stella Willoughby, Kelsey Sekanick and Emily Horton posted a time of 7:22.30 to win the second heat of varsity four racing. No. 4 Southern California checked in with a runner-up time of 7:28.60, followed by Oklahoma in third place (7:50.00).

Notre Dame closed the early session with its third straight runner-up result in the second varsity four against No. 1 California, Kansas and No. 20 San Diego. The top ranked Golden Bears earned the win after clocking a 7:26.30, followed by the Notre Dame crew of coxswain Jill Ryan, Madelynn Conlin, Catherine Wagner, Madeline Loper and Moira Hamilton logging a runner-up 7:36.60. Kansas was third (7:51.70), followed by San Diego (7:58.90).

The Irish first varsity four nearly completed a day one sweep during the opening afternoon race, going toe-to-toe with No. 1 California until the very end, The Golden Bears emerged with a winning time of 7:35.50, followed immediately by Notre Dame at 7:35.80. Kansas placed third in 8:11.30.

California added another win in the second varsity eight, cruising to victory in 6:46.20. Notre Dame took second place with its time of 6:52.10, ahead of third place Kansas (7:17.80).

In the highlighted Irish race of the afternoon, California emerged with the top time in first varsity eight racing, posting a 6:37.40 readout. Notre Dame (6:45.90) outpaced Kansas (7:17.30) for runner-up distinction.

Notre Dame’s second varsity four advanced to the ‘A’ final of the afternoon’s final race heats after its strong morning time. The Irish clocked a 7:52.70 third place time in the top final, just behind California (7:45.30) and Southern California (7:50.40).

The second and final day of the Lake Natoma Invitational is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 8 a.m. (PT). Notre Dame’s first race will take place against No. 7 Stanford and No. 20 San Diego in the first varsity four at 8:30 a.m.